Wednesday, September 12, 2012

Only the real thing...

Our Daily Bread
So many times in life we try to replace the things that we like or the things that are really good with cheap imitations.  This silly old bear loves Hostess Hohos (probably more than I should).  Yes, they are sort of pricey in my opinion.  I have tried the cheaper brands only to be left unsatisfied and disappointed in my choice.  I want the real thing!

We can also make spiritual choices in much the same way.  There are the "Hohos" of our spiritual lives, the good things that God has for us.  The blessings or will of God that has our best interests at heart.  There are some other things that may seem good, but we find out that we are left unsatisfied and disappointed!  As Psalm 16:2 says: I say to the Lord, “You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.”

What seemingly good things in your life leave you unsatisfied and disappointed?  Let us all decide to not settle for anything less than the good things God has for us!

Lord, thank you for being not only a good thing, but the best thing in our lives!

Wellness Wednesday
Let's talk about wellness goals today.  I am a very goal-oriented person so this makes sense to me!  I firmly believe in the old adage: If you aim for nothing, you will hit it!  Here are a few steps:

  1. Which wellness areas challenge you?  Health (blood sugar, blood pressure, weight, etc)?  Managing priorities (Getting things done, choosing the good things to do, spending time with children, work, etc)?  Life goals (bucket list, education, travel, etc).  There are many others.
  2. Pick at least one (preferably two or three) and set some goals.  Your goals should follow the SMART principle (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time-bound).  This year I want to get my blood pressure down by 10%.  This year, I want to lose 20 pounds.  This year, I want to spend at least 1/2 hour per day reading the Bible.  These are examples of SMART goals!  What are yours?
  3. Identify how you are going to achieve those goals.  For me, I decided to change my eating habits and exercise to lose weight.  I decided to cut back on salt to help my blood pressure.  I decided to cut out TV to make time for other, more important things like reading my Bible and praying.  How will you achieve your goals?
  4. Just do it.  Well, it is not always that easy.  Some folks are self-motivated.  Some folks need to be accountable to someone else to help achieve their goals.  Find a fitness buddy.  Talk about your Bible readings with a friend.  Find what works for you.
  5. Evaluate.  Don't be too hard on yourself.  Find balance in setting and achieving your goals.  Sometimes the goal becomes more important than the journey we take to achieve it!  Enjoy the journey!

Secret number 18 from The 100 Simple Secrets of Happy People
Don't face your problems alone.
Yes, it is often difficult to face problems alone.  Happy people find that sharing their problems can help gain perspective and possible solutions!  I know I thank God for my best friend who has been there for me for about 20 years now!  Find someone to talk to.  You can overcome your problems!

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May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit - Romans 15:13

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